CLEVELAND, May 17 — Twenty-four Division Delegates from Ohio were joined by officers of the BLET National Division, State politicians and many other special guests at the Ohio State Legislative Board’s 14th Quadrennial Convention in Columbus, Ohio, from May 6-7, 2010.
Ohio State Legislative Board Chairman Tim Hanely was re-elected by acclamation during the convention, along with First Vice-Chairman Tim Price and Secretary-Treasurer Edward Patterson. Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Dan DeSelms and 2nd Vice-Chairman Brian Garrison were also elected to the executive committee of the Board.
BLET National President Paul Sorrow congratulated these Brothers on winning election and expressed his regret that he could not attend the meeting personally.
National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert briefed the delegates and guests on the activities of the BLET National Division. Vice President & National Legislative Representative John Tolman also addressed the convention, and National Vice-President Willard Knight was also in attendance.
Other highlights of the convention included a concise question and answer period with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regional inspectors, an informational meeting with BLET Auxiliary President Becky Schneider for 19 spouses, and a keynote address by BLET Division 757 (New Castle, Pa.) member and Ohio State Representative Robert Hagan. Brother Hagan spoke to the group about the importance of political activism in our union at the dinner banquet.
The delegates created an annual scholarship fund for post secondary students and a new chapter of the BLET Auxiliary was formed.
“The delegates conducted a very orderly and productive business meeting,” Chairman Hanely said. “We accomplished quite a bit of business in a short time.”
Hanely thanked First Vice-Chairman Tim Price for directing all of the hotel and banquet arrangements.
“Because of his hard work the convention was flawless and we all owe our thanks to him. Karen Patterson hosted the spouses at the convention. Everyone was impressed,” Hanely said.
Chairman Hanely is a member of BLET Division 36 in Newark, Ohio, and has been a member of the BLET since 1995. He was first elected Chairman of the Ohio State Legislative Board in April of 2006.
“Brother Hanely works very hard for the members in Ohio, and I would like to congratulate him on a successful meeting,” Vice President Tolman said.
The Ohio State Legislative Board represents 3,200 active and retired members who work for CSX, Norfolk Southern, Wheeling & Lake Erie, and the Indiana & Ohio Railroads.